Sir Keir Starmer has been urged not to proceed with the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, as reports indicate the Prime Minister may overrule Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's net-zero agenda to reduce electric vehicle (EV) sales targets by the end of the decade.
Current Targets Under Fire
The Labour government currently requires 80% of all new car sales to be electric by 2030, when it intends to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. However, The Sunday Times reports that Starmer will water down the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets to just 50% EV sales by 2030.
Industry Reactions
Martin Sander, board member for German carmaker Volkswagen, warned that there is "a limit to how much we as a car industry are willing and capable of incentivising electric vehicles." He added: "The UK is a very important and large market for us, but of course we have to find business viability."
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, stated: "The current ZEV mandate is significantly contributing to the loss of automotive jobs in Britain. This is a clear fact. The targets must be radically reduced. The automotive industry is a jewel in the crown of UK manufacturing, on which thousands of jobs depend. If the Government sits on its hands, it will be responsible for the decimation of the automotive industry."
Retailer Concerns
Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), noted that significant investment has already been made to meet previous targets: "NFDA has consistently supported the transition to zero-emission vehicles, but it is important that policy reflects market conditions and consumer demand. Franchised retailers have invested significantly in preparing for electrification, and any review of the ZEV mandate should help maintain momentum towards net zero while ensuring the transition remains realistic and achievable for consumers, manufacturers and retailers."
